A distant relative cares for her husband in their home. She is early 80’s. He’s 90. In-home support services sends assistance a few days each week which is greatly appreciated. A few months ago, the wife (Grace) fell and sprained her arm. It was inconvenient, but she recovered nicely. Glen is becoming quite weak as time progresses. They have dinner together and Grace talks to him, not sure if he understands the conversation or not. Last week, Grace had another fall. This time she broke her foot. These are common occurrences for caregivers. Was she absentminded, was she paying more attention to Glen? For many reasons, caregivers decide to keep their loved ones in their homes for as long as possible. Is this the best choice? After a long discussion with family members, it is an individual decision. Glen is in the hospital. Grace is continuing to convalesce at home alone. Let me hear from you as you share caregiving experiences with the community.
The Caregiver in You
How are you describing your life as a caregiver? Do you remember when you or someone in your family brought home a new baby from the hospital? Can you recall the joy, the excitement, the pride? A few months later, you were probably still excited with this new addition to your family, but a little less so. Were you starting to become more tired, sleep deprived, feeling a bit isolated? Were you becoming more irritable with family members and friends? Family members and friends take notice. How did you feel when there were offers to babysit,or prepare dinner or run errands? Were you relieved? Did it help to have assistance with balancing your life? Now imagine your life as a caregiver for your spouse or parent? Is it important to have support to help with your loved one? The overwhelm, confusion, frustration and stress can cause you to forget the essence of the caregiver in you. Remember Caregivers Need Care Too.
Busy At Caregiving
How does your day begin as a caregiver? Get yourself up and prepared. Did you get a chance to take some time for yourself before starting with the daily to do’s for your loved one? Check your emails, get a cup of coffee. Get some fresh air. Take a few minutes to stretch. Let’s assume you always take time out for yourself because if you don’t take care of yourself, all the energy, love and compassion that is required for the care of your loved one with be compromised. Now, you take the time to focus on your role and responsibilities as the caregiver. You have done another wonderful job. Congratulations. It’s the end of the day. Don’t forget to take more time for yourself. You deserve it. Your well-being depends on it. Because Caregivers Need Care Too.
Reaching out as a Caregiver
As you spend time caring for your loved one, how often do you reach out for friends or family just to share an experience? These people understand that your life has changed. They care about you and want to be a part of your life. Allow them to spread some sunshine and compassion into your caregiving experience. How do you do that? Call them and chat for a few minutes. Ask them to drop in and just sit with you or share a cup of tea or a favorite recipe. Ask their opinion on something you really care about. Just sit and be still with your friend and share moments of gratitude. You will both feel better later. Who can you reach out to this week? Will you?